Eastern Madagascar cichlid
📖 Overview
Eastern Madagascar cichlid (Paretroplus polyactis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18.4 cm. With a trophic level of 2.8, it is an omnivore, consuming both plant and animal matter. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 18; Anal spines: 7 - 10; Anal soft rays: 13 - 15. Diagnosis: Paretroplus polyactis is distinguished from congeners by a unique chainlink, or diamond mesh, pigmentation pattern, owing to contrasting dark scale margins and light centers over the entire flank and portions of the head; it is also the only member of the genus in which the entire series of lateral bars is both strongly pigmented and spotted, due to more darkly pigmented scale margins than centers, regardless of size . In life, P. polyactis is unique among deep-bodied members of the genus in possessing a bright red iris, a feature shared only with the elongate P. lamenabe .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Eastern Madagascar cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Eastern Madagascar cichlid is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Eastern Madagascar cichlid is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Cichlid |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | punasaariahven |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromis madagascariensis | Guichenot | 1866 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 29 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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